2005 rumors

[gec343]

I am planning on purchasing a 2004 R1150RT, however, I am hearing rumors of a big change for 2005 model RT's. Does anyone have information on this subject?

[Gnome]

If you want one friend, go for it. Things are always changing. I would wait to purhase in the Fall though when prices are better,and you can usually get a better deal. That's just me though.
The biggest changes will be in the K bike,and then it's not a change in "all" K bikes,just another model type.

[MarkF]

It used to be BMWs went unchanged for a decade. Now it seems they come out with a new model, upgrade it a year or two later, then go three years unchanged and one more year with some add-ons before the next new model.

My point is there is always gonna be something coming around the corner. I never regretted getting my 2000 Roadster even with the nice 2001 pinstripe and spokes or the new R1150R in 20011/2.

If you want an RT, get one now cuz the next RT might not be what you want.

MarkF

[srb]

I have seen/read somewhere (don't remember where) that the '05RT will have the updated engine that is in the GS (1200cc). The spy photos I have seen make the bike look a lot like a Honda ST1300. This would make sense because the new K looks a lot like a Honda XX. I agree with the previous posters that you should get what you want when you want it. If you are always waiting for the newest coolest thing you will never have anything. But what do I know, I ride a 1979 R100S. Good luck with the decision.

[DesertRider]

Originally posted by MarkF
It used to be BMWs went unchanged for a decade. Now it seems they come out with a new model, upgrade it a year or two later, then go three years unchanged and one more year with some add-ons before the next new model.

I recently saw some comments from David Robb (in BMW ON, perhaps?) that their product cycle now is 4 years, which means they are designing the next version as soon as the last one is released. It also implied that a lot of the lessons of the 1150GS could not be incorporated into the 1200GS because the design of the 1200 was well along before there was all that much field experience with the 1150. That's not encouraging.

[fish]

Originally posted by sbrick
I have seen/read somewhere (don't remember where) that the '05RT will have the updated engine that is in the GS (1200cc).

Could be an '05 or an '06 (likely). Don't be too put off by the fairing disguise.

Spy photos here. (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35508)

More spy photos. (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35960)

http://www.bmwmotos.com/galeria/bmw/albums/jorgetac/ajb.sized.jpg

[lorazepam]

After taking the photos and enlarging them in photoshop, it looks to me like the fairing on that baby is highly disguised. There is a lot of adhesive material and "bumps" placed down low to the front to make it look different. I think the two "ridges" on the top by the tank are going to stay, they are just covered up. Who is to say this isn't a new RS? If I peeled the stuff off ( like I could) I could see a much smaller fairing, and didnt the euro RS have the mirrors in the fairing? I wish mine were anyway. I believe the bags are removeable, and probably a finished design. or close. Looks like they are roomier than current bags, but still have the goofy pocket in the bottom around the pipe. Guess they like that design. The signals both front and rear have coverings on them. I bet this bike is way more svelt than it looks in the pictures, and if I were a test rider, I certainly wouldn't tell anyone what the real model name was.

[MarkF]

Originally posted by sbrick
I have seen/read somewhere (don't remember where) that the '05RT will have the updated engine that is in the GS (1200cc). The spy photos I have seen make the bike look a lot like a Honda ST1300. This would make sense because the new K looks a lot like a Honda XX. I agree with the previous posters that you should get what you want when you want it. If you are always waiting for the newest coolest thing you will never have anything. But what do I know, I ride a 1979 R100S. Good luck with the decision.

I like the ST1300, the ST1300 is a good looking bike, that bike in the spy photo is no ST1300!

'79 R100S - Certainly a fine motorcycle even 25 years later!

MarkF

[lewlei]

I liked the write up on the R1200GS but went ahead and got the '04 R1150GS. (Didn't want to wait for delivery, and on principle try to avoid the first year of any model - - bike or car). A week later while in for the 600 mile check, I was chatting with the sales manager about the R1150RT (I had a '99 R11RT and liked it, but was looking for something else). He indicated that the next RT will have the 1200 engine but that I should ride the GS for a couple of years and let them smooth out the bumps/lumps in the new engine. Was this just idle chatter or was there a serious suggestion there? I don't know, but love the new bike.

Lew :D

[fish]

Originally posted by lorazepam
Who is to say this isn't a new RS?

Check out the riding position. Upright = RT.

http://www.bmwmotos.com/galeria/bmw/albums/jorgetac/aiz.sized.jpg

[lorazepam]

You have a point, and depending on how they are mounted, they could be lowered rather easily with no modification. Just a thought. If you disguise the fairing, why not riding position too. I imagine you are right, but the RS is due for a change if they really do want to make model changes every 4 years.

[knary]

Originally posted by lorazepam
You have a point, and depending on how they are mounted, they could be lowered rather easily with no modification. Just a thought. If you disguise the fairing, why not riding position too. I imagine you are right, but the RS is due for a change if they really do want to make model changes every 4 years.

I think they're changing their flagship models first. The oilhead RS is still the step child on the sales floor.

[lorazepam]

Ok you guys win, it would make sense to upgrade the best sellers like the GS and the RT. That is where the competition is the greatest. If BMW wants to compete with Honda and Yamaha in the sport touring category, they do need to make the bike lighter and more powerful. It has plenty of power now, but the faster is better mentality seems to warrant having something closer to the triple digit power of the Japanese offerings. Considering the horsepower difference in the 1150 range between the GS and RT, any guesses as to HP rating on the 1200 tourer? 110-120?

[Rad]

I already have an 05/06 RT……Their ok.

BMW gave me one 'cause I'm sooo cool.

I'm not allowed to ride it during the day or where people will see me....Kinda limits the usefulness of it.

It's completely changed

It’s still a twin: now with carbs, a transmission in a separate unit connected by a primary chain, slightly smaller tank and very sweet upswept pipes. It sounds great, not like the old RT.

But, I find I ride the GS more.

Here is a spy shot of it in my driveway.

[knary]

Originally posted by Rad
I already have an 05/06 RT……Their ok.

BMW gave me one 'cause I'm sooo cool.


I'm pretty cool too.
And since you don't ride it much, you should just give it to me.

[lorazepam]

Looks sleek without the bags.

[knary]

Originally posted by lorazepam
Looks sleek without the bags.

But you gotta wonder about passenger comfort.

[fish]

pretty darn tricky putting a Norton logo on the tank.

and I see it's got anti-lock brakes too.

[Rad]

Originally posted by fish
and I see it's got anti-lock brakes too.

As a mater of fact, the front is anti lock..No kid'n.

I don't care how hard ya pulled on that lever, it ain't ever gonna lock.....just slow ya down real sloooooooooooow like:eek

[kbasa]

Send it up, Rad. Yer just gonna hurt yourself with it.

[lorazepam]

I just feel all warm in my heart knowing that BMW has rewarded their number one fan in such a manner. Have they offered a spokesperson position yet?

[Fang]

Anyone heard any rumors about changes/upgrades or whatever to the '05 R1200CLC?

More power? Different gearing? Re-ballasting so that PTTR
goes away? New color(s)? Gabriel Hi-jackers? Cheater slicks? Maserati air horns? Special discounts on Krupp's birthday? No?

Pls advise soonest before I do something foolish and sign something! Shudder...........

[DesertRider]

Originally posted by fang Gabriel Hi-jackers? Cheater slicks? Maserati air horns?

Man, you're old, dude. I haven't heard those terms since I was dinking around with my old Mercury coupe in my teens. Today instead of Hi-Jackers, cheaters and Maserati horns it's Ohlins, DOT slicks, and FIAMMs.

(Of course, by recognizing those I'm admitting I'm at least as old as you are. Remember Konis? Quadrajets? Hurst? Cragars? Vetter?)

[Fang]

TO: Desert Rider:

Guilty as charged, dude. Just turned 62. Hate it! Puke!:eek

[dbrick]

Originally posted by DesertRider
(Of course, by recognizing those I'm admitting I'm at least as old as you are. Remember Konis? Quadrajets? Hurst? Cragars? Vetter?)

Hurst I don't remember much. Linda Vaughn I remember very well.

[Rad]

Originally posted by DesertRider
(Of course, by recognizing those I'm admitting I'm at least as old as you are. Remember Konis? Quadrajets? Hurst? Cragars? Vetter?)

I had Cragars, Konis and a Hurst shifter:clap

[fish]

Originally posted by Rad
I had Cragars, Konis and a Hurst shifter:clap


Hurst Pistol grip here. :wave

http://www.teamshinoda.com/images/P1030120.JPG

US Mags (5 slot).

http://www.american-musclecar.com/images/amcimages/wheels/Slotted%20Mags.jpg

Hijackers! :)

http://www.truckpartsproshop.com/images/gabriel_hi_jackers_air_shocks_1.gif

Hooker Headers, Crane Cams, Edelbrock intakes, woo hoo...bringing back memories.

[MarkF]

Originally posted by fang
Anyone heard any rumors about changes/upgrades or whatever to the '05 R1200CLC?


My guess is the CLC and Montalk will go unchanged for a few years. The basic C might see a change first but after the new GS, RT and Roadster arrive.

MarkF

[Fang]

I just heard a rumor from a highly reliable source that for 2005,
the R1200CLC will have a couple of new colors available. It
seems there were complaints about too few choices in 2004,
and the factory responded accordingly. We shall see.;)